Motion Detection Circuit Power Management for Electronic Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current algorithms for activating electronic devices based on movement detection often lead to excessive battery drain due to frequent activation of components, which is inefficient in conserving power.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a motion detection circuit and power management software to selectively activate components by monitoring movement data, filtering signals based on predefined thresholds and operating modes, and transitioning between power states to optimize power consumption, particularly by ignoring minor movements and activating components only when necessary.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If components are activated frequently based on movement detection, then the device responds quickly to user actions, but battery drain increases excessively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speedVSAvoidbattery drain
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the threshold parameter for movement detection based on device state. When the device is in a low-power state, a higher threshold is applied to filter out minor movements. When activated, the threshold is adjusted to be more sensitive. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to respond quickly when needed while filtering out noise that would cause unnecessary activations and battery drain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The movement threshold is made dynamic rather than static. The threshold adapts based on the current power state and usage context of the device. This allows the system to optimize between responsiveness and power consumption by adjusting its sensitivity in real-time according to operational conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the device remains in a low-power state, then battery life is extended, but the device may miss detecting legitimate activation movements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery lifeVSAvoidactivation detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of movement patterns before fully activating the device. The motion detection circuit continuously monitors for movements even in low-power state, and the system evaluates whether detected movements meet the activation criteria before transitioning to active state. This preliminary action ensures legitimate activations are not missed while maintaining power savings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from continuous motion monitoring to make informed decisions about activation. The motion detection circuit provides ongoing feedback about device movement, which the power management system uses to determine when activation is appropriate. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable detection of legitimate activations while allowing the device to remain in low-power state during periods of no significant movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2509293B1System and method for activating a component on an electronic device
Publication Date: 2015.02.25 BLACKBERRY LTD
  • EP2509293B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2509293B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2509293B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The disclosure describes a system and method for activating an electronic device from a low power state. The method comprises: in a dormant state monitoring for an activation event that represents an activation activity for the electronic device; and progressing to a movement processing state from the dormant state. Upon receipt of the activation event, in the movement processing state, the method comprises: monitoring a motion detection circuit in the electronic device for a signal indicating a movement of the electronic device; monitoring for movement data from the motion detection circuit and providing the movement data to a microprocessor in the electronic device; and analyzing the movement of the electronic device and if the movement matches a profile for an activation movement for the electronic device then activating the component on the electronic device. In the method, the dormant state had been entered when the electronic device was either turned off, placed in a holster or connected to a docking station.